2023-11-25 05:26:00
In a month, it’s Christmas. Some will wake up with a hangover after New Year’s Eve, others will still want to party and want to go to a Christmas market. But you won’t have to wait until December 25 to take advantage of it. Throughout Belgium, Christmas markets will open their doors this weekend or next weekend. We take stock, because there are not only the Winter Wonders of Brussels (see elsewhere).
Starting from the north to the south of the country, we begin the visit in Ostend. You will have to wait another week (December 1 to January 7) to enjoy an atmosphere worthy of a small Central Park, with its ice rink installed on the lake in Léopold Park, a few hundred meters from the dike. A fairly cozy atmosphere awaits visitors, with everything that makes a Christmas market charming. Less known in Wallonia, but it is worth it.
In Bruges, like every year, thousands of tourists are expected from November 24 to January 7. The Venice of the North knows how to delight visitors with stands located in all the city’s strongholds, but also along the canals. There are two main markets to visit. The first is on the large Markt square, while the second is on Simon Stevin square, about 200 meters away. In Antwerp, we are also counting on festivities in the historic center, but they will not start until December 8. Several markets merge together, and even go as far as the Antwerp Zoo. We then arrive in Ghent, where more than 150 chalets run from the Sint-Baafsplein to the end of the Korenmarkt, via the Botermarkt and along Klein Turkije from December 7 to 31.
Mulled wine, local artisans and a visit from Santa Claus: here is the list of Christmas markets in Walloon Brabant in 2023 (INTERACTIVE MAP)
Last address in Flanders, but close to the linguistic border and Brussels, with the Louvain Christmas market, which will also start on December 7. A market recognized for its typical side which immerses you in the magic of Christmas. A slightly less ambitious event than the previous ones, but more family-friendly.
No jealousy, since we go from one Louvain to another when arriving in Wallonia, in Louvain-la-Neuve therefore. We arrive there in an atmosphere reminiscent of the mountains and the most festive ski resorts, under the name of Louvain-la-Neige. A warm atmosphere between the chalets and the cable cars, where you can sit down for a drink. Small particularity, this Christmas market began on November 24 and ended before Christmas, on December 20, due to the blockade.
Nearly 80 chalets and around a hundred exhibitors, start for Louvain-la-Neige, the largest Christmas market in Walloon Brabant
It’s impossible to think of festivities in Wallonia without passing through the fiery city. Liège is once again welcoming this year, since November 24, its Christmas village on Place Saint-Lambert and the market square, but also its ice rink, Place de la Cathédrale. All in an atmosphere “faithful to the long Germanic tradition, between the Alsatian and German Christmas markets”, according to the organizers.
The capital of Wallonia, Namur, will obviously also be in Christmas colors. This year, the market will take place on Place de l’Ange and Place d’Armes and will focus on its good atmosphere and gourmet chalets.
Finally, it will be small but always very busy, we are talking about the Durbuy Christmas market. The smallest city in the world will still attract locals and tourists who will come to visit the artisan stands, but also the ice rink. All this without forgetting the Christmas markets of Charleroi or Mons, which will also be full.
The Christmas market season is open in the Central region
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